5 Reasons Why Texas Will Be Back Next Season

I wrote this article immediately after the game three weeks ago, but forgot to add it to Bleacher Report.

After the loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Texas Longhorns will be heading home with 8 months to think about what could have been had Colt McCoy played more than 3 plays. Unfortunately they will never know, but what they could know is an opportunity to redeem themselves next season. I am a big believer in gaining/learning more after a loss than a win and next year could hold true to that very cliche. Here are my top 5 reasons why the University of Texas football program could be headed right back to the National Championship game in 2010.

5. It's the University of Texas - Austin. One advantage of being a major university is the pre season expectations and rankings you receive. In the last six seasons the Longhorns have received preseason rankings of: #2, #10, #4, #2, #2, and #7. When starting the season at the top of the rankings you basically control your own destiny on your path to the National Championship game. If Texas can take advantage of big games being at home they should be able to stay at the top of the pack next season.

4. They return 14 starters. There is no doubt the losses of Colt McCoy, Jordan Shipley, and Sergio Kindle will hurt, but when 14 starters return, the majority of the offensive line, Texas can usually rely on a strong recruiting class to fill its holes. Next year the ball will be handed over to Garrett Gilbert(more on him later) to lead the offense along with Malcolm Williams, Tre' Newton, and Cody Johnson. The defense will hurt a little with the loss of Kindle, Sam Houston, and Roddrick Muckelroy, but Texas has 13 Recruits in ESPN's top 150 including the top 2 defensive tackles in Taylor Bible and Ashton Dorsey. I'm not saying these kids are going to be immediate performers, but they add competition to positions and are pieces of a puzzle that could include a return trip to the National Championship.

3. Garrett Gilbert. Now I know this is going to seem like a jumping of the bandwagon and I really wish Kirk Herbstreit wouldn't have said it before I was able to get this post out, but the experience gained in this game on the national stage alone should prepare Gilbert for the next step. This wasn't exactly the way Gilbert thought he was going to be spending January 7th, but at the same time he showed some really good things. Despite the numbers, Gilbert was in position to set Texas up for the game-winning drive, but the team's first allowed sack, a fumble, 2 interceptions and 2 touchdowns later and the Longhorns were staring at a 37-21 defeat. Gilbert will be a sophomore in 2010 and is going to want to prove to the nation he has what it takes to be better than McCoy. What McCoy had in a running threat, Gilbert has in his deep ball ability. It may seem a little early but once he learns how to read a defense at the line, Gilbert should be a top QB in the NCAA.

2. Relatively Easy Schedule. In 2010 Texas hosts Wyoming, Florida Atlantic, UCLA, Iowa State, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and A&M; and only are away from home 4 times when they travel to Rice, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas Tech. Also, as always the Horns will play Oklahoma in Dallas on a neutral field. It may not seem as easy as I am projecting, but with the 4 away games being against the Suh-less Huskers, mediocre Jayhawks, mid-major Rice, and future first year coach of the Red Raiders of Texas Tech, Hook 'Em could be in good position for another Big 12 title run. Needless to say, per usual, if the Longhorns can take care of business at home and do what they are supposed to on the road, a championship in 2010 may not seem all that far fetched. 

1. Mack Brown. When your coach is Mack Brown you naturally have a leader that is preparing you to win it all. Under Brown the Horns are 115-26 overall and 72-16 in conference games with two perfect regular seasons and 5 Big 12 Championships. Brown has always been known for his strong recruiting even from his days in North Carolina, but has enjoyed success on the field in Texas as well. Brown has recreated a dynasty in Austin and he is my number one reason why Texas could be right back on the big stage not only next year, but every year they take the field.